Embarrassed By Your Smelly Feet? Try These Natural Ways To Fix It

Dare not to take off your shoes as your feet would smell? Don’t worry! There are some quick fixes that you can do at home.

Why Do Our Feet Smell? Is It My Problem?

Out of the 2-3 million sweat glands on our bodies, ½ million are located on are feet. Scientists think this is when we walked everywhere in the past, before we had shoes, our feet would get hot from walking on sun-baked earth. The multitude of sweat glands allowed them to cool themselves off more effectively. But now when we wear shoes, sweat can build up leading to smelly feet.

Fortunately there are three remedies that can be found right in your kitchen.

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda acts as both a deodorant and a neutralizer. It doesn’t just cover up odors, but destroys them. Baking soda deodorizes by bringing both acidic and basic molecules into a neutral state. When used on your feet, baking soda neutralizes the pH of sweat and reduces the bacteria that causes the odor.

• Add one tablespoon for every quart of water and soak your feet in it for 15-20 minutes every night for one week.
• Avoid oversoaking your feet. If you notice your feet are extra wrinkly and sensitive, decrease the length of your soak
• Sprinkle baking soda in your shoes and socks before putting them on.

2. Epsom Salt

Epsom Salt is not actually salt but a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. Studies have shown that magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed through the skin, pulling moisture out of your skin, making it less inviting for bacteria to survive.^[1]

A relaxing foot soak in an epsom salt bath also soothes aching feet.

• Mix two teaspoons of Epsom salt in half a bucket of warm water.
• Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes before bed and leave your socks off.
• Be sure your feet are completely dry before putting our socks back on to prevent trapping moisture.

3. Black Tea

Black tea has tannic acid that helps kill odor-causing bacteria. It also helps close the pores on your feet, reducing the amount of sweat that feeds the bacteria.

• Boil two black tea bags in three cups of hot water. Add half a bucket of normal water to lower the temperature.
• Thoroughly wash and dry your feet while the tea cools.
• Soak your feet in it for 15-20 minutes, daily or one week.

Once you’ve got a good remedy to get rid of your foot odor, you can maintain your fresh feet, and prevent the odor from coming back as well.

1. Wash your feet in the shower
   •  Scrub your feet with soap or a good exfoliator. You can also make one using sugar and water.
   • Wash the area between your toes. The toes hold moisture and heat, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.
   • Dry your feet, including the area between your toes well. If possible avoid putting on socks and shoes while you finish your after shower routine to ensure they dry all the way.
2. Buy good socks and shoes. Find socks and shoes made of breathable materials.
   • Socks: Avoid nylon and polyester socks as they can increase the amount of sweat in your feet. Natural materials such as cotton and wool provide more ventilation and limit the growth of odor causing bacteria.
   • Shoes: Wear shoes that are made of breathable material like leather or canvas. This helps sweat evaporate. You can opt for odor neutralizing insoles as well. Look for insoles with activated charcoal to absorb the foot odor.
3. Antibacterial foot spray and/or powders.
   • Apply a liberal amount of spray or powder directly to your feet to reduce odor causing bacteria and let dry before wearing socks and shoes.
4. Antiperspirant and Hand sanitizers
   • Hand sanitizer applied to your feet can also help kill bacteria.
   • On dry feet, apply your regular deodorant to your feet before bed. This will help keep them fresh and dry while you sleep.